Precedents are certain traditions observed by the House of Commons. They are not considered laws, and are not technically "in force", and can change over time. The Speaker has designed the following as certain Precedents of the House.
Legislation can be submitted any time or date. It is not limited to just on a legislative day or only when the House is in session. Members usually submit legislation electronically via HOUSE Net.
Generally, the House passes a Joint Resolution to stand adjourned for a longer period of time in June to serve as a summer recess. Under current Rules of the House, the House may not stand adjourned for more than three days. July 1st is considered the sepreation date between the 1st and 2nd Session of an Assembly.
Under the Executive Act, the House has established that the Speaker is the Executive of the House. However, the House never established the 'veto function' in law. Instead, the House usually passes a Resolution granted the Speaker the power to veto legislation. Vetos are an important factor is ensuring checks and balances.
The Speaker has the power to veto any bills or Joint Resolutions that are enrolled (pass the House). However, the Speaker does not have the authority to veto House Resolutions, as Resolutions are considered to resolve a manner revolving around the House, not legislation.
When the Speaker decides to Veto a measure, he or she sends a letter back to the House will the bill un-signed stating that he or she is vetoing the measure. Generally, the Speaker gives such reason for the Veto. The letter is read in the House out-loud and the measure is held until it is called up. When it is called up as unfinished business, the House has one hour of debate on the question to pass the bill, the objections of the Speaker to the contrary, notwithstanding. Then, it requires all Members to vote YEA, except the Spekaer, to pass the measure over Veto. The measure becomes law, regardless if the Speaker signs it. If it fails to pass over Veto, the measure is considered as "dead".
Any Resolution that requires Members to do or refrain from doing something is usually only valid until either the sunset date in the resolution or until the end of the year.
